“He was not of an age; but for all time.” ~Ben Jonson
Here at Grace Classical Academy, we consider the purpose of a classical Christian education to be the cultivation of virtue and wisdom, and specifically, truth, beauty and goodness in every aspect of education. We believe the deep study and performance of Shakespeare is one way we can accomplish this lofty goal.
“William Shakespeare was the most remarkable storyteller that the world has ever known. Homer told of adventure and men at war, Sophocles and Tolstoy told of tragedies and of people in trouble. Terence and Mark Twain told comedic stories, Dickens told melodramatic ones, Plutarch told histories and Hans Christian Andersen told fairy tales. But Shakespeare told every kind of story – comedy, tragedy, history, melodrama, adventure, love stories and fairy tales – and each of them so well that they have become immortal. In all the world of storytelling he has become the greatest name.” Marchette Chute, Stories from Shakespeare
GCA students have the opportunity, beginning in 5th grade, to participate in a Shakespearean drama, and there is no doubt that The Bard leaves his mark on each and every student performer. What a blessing! Without further ado, here are pictures from this year’s production, Taming of the Shrew …
From rehearsal:
And from performance day:
And slideshows from one afternoon’s rehearsal and from the performance:
As can be clearly seen, Shakespeare is the vehicle for so much than just the study of truth, beauty and goodness in stories (tho, that is reason enough to study him!). These students diligently worked hard, memorized line upon line upon line, experienced camaraderie and laughter and encouragement with each other, overcame heeby-jeebies of "dopey" love scenes, triumphed over frustration and insecurity, worked as a team, and delivered a delightful, comic performance. Soli deo gloria!
